Scarred: A Mountain Man Romance

by J. R. Ryder

  “I…” My tongue swelled in my mouth, making it impossible to speak.

  “Do you need some time to think it over?”

  I found myself nodded. That’s exactly what I needed. Right now, my head felt like it was spinning a thousand miles an hour. Soon, it would pop right off my head.

  “Alright. Why don’t you give me an answer at the Christmas Ball?”

  “ in two days?”

  “Exactly.” He smiled, his hand resting on my hip. Suddenly, I felt a bit self-conscious about them. Were they so wide that he would consider them ‘childbearing?’ “I hope you give it some serious consideration.”

  “I will,” I assured him with another nod.

  “Good.” His smile deepened. “In the meantime, let’s just enjoy the night, shall we?” Without another word, he took my hand, pulling me back through the house. Soon, we were standing on the sandy shore, water lapping at the ground only a few feet away.

  For a moment, I forgot about the crazy offer and just enjoyed the breathtaking scenery that laid before me. “It’s beautiful.”

  Everett squeezed my hand.

  I looked up at him.

  “It is.” He whispered, our eyes locked. My heart thumped in response.

  He wasn’t talking about the ocean.

  Chapter 8 (Everett)

  I thought about kissing her, to press my lips against hers, our bodies pressed together, but I held back. I wanted her to make the choice on her own. If I kissed her, she would be swayed unfairly in my direction. If she was going to bear my child, she needed to want it as much as I did.

  Still, it was hard to resist, especially when she looked up at me with those gorgeous green eyes, lips pursed ever so slightly. It almost seemed like she was doing it on purpose, body tempting mine every time I looked at her.

  It took every ounce of my will to let go of her, bend down, and take off my shoes.

  “What are you doing?” She asked as I tossed them to the side. They were my most expensive pair, and she knew it, but that didn’t matter. I could always buy another pair if they were ruined. When you’re as rich as I am, shoes are insignificant.

  “I thought we could enjoy the sand between our toes,” I answered, rolling up the hem of my pants, feeling like a teenager – well, almost. In those days, I would shed every stitch of clothing and jump into the water, no matter how frigid.

  “What…?”

  “Come.” I took her hand, pulling her close. “Stop acting so tense. Right now, I’m not your boss. I’m just Everett. A regular guy.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t…”

  “Don’t make me take off your shoes for you.”

  “What…?” Before she could stop me, I was already down on one knee, undoing the ankle strap. My head was so close to her leg that I was tempted to leave a trail of kisses in my wake. Her smell was delicious and practically irresistible. I never thought controlling myself would be this hard. I was so used to getting everything I wanted that holding back was almost a foreign concept.

  “Everett… I don’t think…”

  “Shh.” I threw her heels to the side. “You worry too much. Just… relax.” As I got up, I wrapped my arms around her waist, locking our hips together.

  She gasped, lips parted seductively.

  Oh, she was making this hard… oh so very hard.

  I took in a deep breath, trying to redirect the blood flow back to my head but it continued to stir between my legs, bringing my member to life. I did not doubt that she could feel my girth against her thigh, getting increasingly excited by the minute.

  Knowing I would lose myself in desire if I continued to hold her, I hesitantly let go, settling for her hand as we walked along the shore. Neither one of us spoke a word. Out of the corner of my eye, I noted her pensive expression. She was mulling over my offer. I was curious how she would handle it. Hopefully, she’d agree. Of course, I could just hire a donor, but Tanya felt like the right choice. I didn’t quite know how to explain it – a gut feeling – the same feeling that had guided me toward success all my life. I didn’t think it would lead me astray this time around.

  Finally, we doubled back, heading for the cabin. I didn’t bother to offer her a ride home. She belonged here – by my side. I could feel it deep in my heart, like a primal instinct that made me want to protect her from all the harms and evils of the world. I was an alpha, and she was the mate I’d defend with my life. I could go on denying it all I wanted, but feelings this strong never lied.

  I just needed her to feel the same way.

  “You must be tired,” I commented, leading her toward the guest bedroom. “ I’ll let you sleep. If you need anything, I’m just across the hall. Don’t hesitate to ask. Bathroom’s around the corner. Kitchen stocked with snacks. Make yourself at home.”

  Tanya looked at me for a moment, lingering by the doorframe, looking like she wanted to tell me something. in the end, she just nodded her head, nibbling on her bottom lip.

  “Goodnight,” I said.

  “Goodnight.” She returned, slowly closing the door in my face.

  I remained in the hallway, half expecting her to reappear but she never did. I sighed. Why was I holding back? I could just go in there and take exactly what I wanted – just like I handled everything else in my life. for some reason, that kind of tactic seemed wrong in this situation. I wanted her to want me.

  Eventually, I walked into my bedroom, stripped down to my

  underwear, and slipped into my bed. Usually, I was able to fall asleep just as soon as I settled into the mattress but for some reason, I couldn’t get comfortable. I tossed and turned, thinking of Tanya. She haunted my thoughts like a phantom I couldn’t quite catch. I wanted her. Hell, I needed her. I was starting to fear that the feelings weren’t reciprocated.

  What was I to do then?

  No one ever told me ‘no.’

  Would Tanya be the first?

  What then?

  I didn’t know and that unsettled me.

  Unable to sleep, I stared at the ceiling, hands locked over my chest, trying to figure out what to do.

  Soon, my mind wandered, picturing Tanya’s beautiful body. Before I knew what I was doing, I had already undressed her, imagining what her naked body looked like. I drank in her every curve, getting intoxicated by the sheer sight of her. She was gorgeous; there was no doubt about it.

  Unable to help myself, my thoughts ventured into naughtier territory. I dreamt up all the things I could do to her. Left to my own devices, I’d have her screaming my name at the top of her lungs. She’d love it so much she’d beg for more, but for once I wasn’t going to make the first move.

  If she truly wanted me, she’d have to prove it.

  Sure enough, just as my thoughts reached their climax, I heard the soft groan of the door opening. I laid still, feigning sleep, as a dark figure slipped into the room walking with a slow, muted step.

  Tanya.

  My cock twitched in anticipation. The alpha inside of me yearned to jump up and pounce on her right then and there, but I managed to smother the desire in order to figure out what Tanya planned to do.

  She crept toward the bed, head tilted toward the floor, watching her every step. From the looks of it, she was wearing very little, but the darkness of the room made it impossible to see the exact details of her nighttime outfit.

  Finally, she arrived at the foot of the bed. She lingered there a moment before she crawled onto the mattress, settling herself by my side. There was a gap between our bodies that felt like a chasm. As much as I wanted to pretend to be asleep and let things unfold naturally, I couldn’t stand being apart.

  In a flash, I rolled over, took her in my arms, and pulled her close.

  She gasped.

  I lost control.

  Our lips collided into a long overdue kiss. Skin against skin, we fell into a rhythm, lips dancing against one another in an erotic tangle that only grew hotter and hotter with each passing second.

  As my han
ds roamed her body, my tongue slipped between her lips, roaming around her mouth. Soon enough, they were tangled together, wrestling playfully, speaking a silent language called desire.

  The air around us grew thicker and thicker as our excitement grew.

  My fingers danced along her thighs, getting closer and closer to her panties but suddenly she stopped me.

  The kiss was severed.

  Breathing hard, our faces were only inches apart when she shook her head. “I’m sorry…” She whispered. “I’m just not ready yet…”

  Chapter 9 (Tanya)

  Christmas Ball. December 23rd. A Saturday.

  Today was the day. Not only was I about to go to an important social event with my boss – a billionaire CEO – but I needed to tell him my decision.

  Just thinking about it made me anxious.

  I had thought about his offer a million and one different ways, trying to weigh the pros and cons so I’d make the right decision but every time I thought I had settled my mind, some new thought would pop up, destroying everything.

  What was I supposed to do?

  I couldn’t possibly have Everett’s baby… could I?

  What kind of woman would I be?

  Yet, the money was enticing. It would be more than enough to follow my dreams.

  Ugh, this was impossible.

  I paced around my kitchen as if doing so would give me more time but the clock kept ticking and ticking. Soon enough, Everett would arrive, and I’d still be dressed in my pajamas, trying to make a decision.

  With a sigh, I ventured into the bathroom. On the sink was a box. It had arrived yesterday with a note from Everett. It was my outfit for the ball. I hadn’t opened it yet.

  Biting my lip, I ripped through the tape, flipping open the flaps.

  Cautiously, I reached inside.

  I gasped, pulling out a gorgeous red gown. Even in the dull bathroom lighting, the sequins glittered like a million stars. The silk fabric felt too luxurious for someone like me and yet, Everett expected me to wear this.

  Taking a deep breath, I gathered the courage to finally try it on.

  It settled into place as it belonged on my body. I couldn’t believe it. I had never had a dress fit me so well. My every curve was accentuated. The cleavage was low but still tasteful. The slit was just the right length to show off my shapely leg. It was perfect.

  When I looked in the mirror, I felt a bout of nerves wrap around my spine. What if Everett didn’t like what he saw? I fretted over the tiniest wrinkles, picking out all my imperfections.

  Why did he want me to bear his baby?

  I was just some normal, run of the mill girl. He could have paid anyone and yet he wanted me. Why? It was the question that had haunted me for the last 48 hours. I just couldn’t understand it. What was so special about me?

  As I walked into my bedroom, I contemplated calling the whole thing off. I could just tell Everett I was indisposed and couldn’t make it. He would understand. Besides, he could get a replacement date in a heartbeat. There were tons of girls that flocked over him. I wouldn’t be missed.

  I picked up my phone, looking through my contacts, finger hovering over his name. I hesitated.

  What was I supposed to do?

  It didn’t feel right to accept his offer and yet the money could make an enormous difference in my life. Would it be worth throwing away my decency? I didn’t know anymore…

  in the back of my mind, that wasn’t even what bothered me the most.

  Did Everett like me?

  When he kissed me, there was a fire burning between his lips. Everything pointed to the fact that he was attracted to me, but I didn’t know if it was only lust or if there was something else. I yearned for more. I wanted him to like me just as much as I liked him. who was I kidding? He was way out of my league. It would never work – even if the feelings were there.

  Suddenly, before I could work through the turmoil in my mind, there was a knock on the door.

  Crap! It was him.

  I didn’t even have makeup on yet. He couldn’t see me like this…

  Panic bubbled up inside of me.

  What was I supposed to do?

  Maybe, if I pretended no one was home, he’d leave.

  Knock. Knock.

  Shit.

  What was I supposed to do?

  Knock. Knock.

  Eventually, my guilt took hold. I couldn’t just leave him to stand out there. He had gone through all the trouble to get me this beautiful dress.

  Taking a deep breath, I approached the door, swinging it open.

  As soon as I did, my heart seemed to stop.

  Everett was gorgeous. Like, drop dead gorgeous. I stared at him, mouth agape, heart pounding.

  “You look stunning.” He said with a breathtaking smile before he took my hand, squeezing it a moment. As his smile deepened, he leaned down, planting a small kiss on the back of my hand like a storybook gentleman.

  At this point, it felt like my heart would explode out of my chest.

  How could this be real? I had to be dreaming.

  Without an ounce of hesitation, his arm snaked around my waist, pinning me to his body like a proper escort. “Shall we?” He asked, voice deep and husky.

  Despite all the turmoil I had felt, I knew, deep down, that I’d never be able to resist this man. His charm alone was enough to entice any woman – and I was no exception.

  I would bare this man’s baby.

  Chapter 10 (Everett)

  Tanya had surpassed my expectations. She looked like a goddess. The dress fell perfectly on every curve of her body making it hard for me to resist the animalistic hormones that raged inside of me at the sheer sight of her.

  It didn’t help that her lack of makeup, paired with bouncy curls, made her look absolutely adorable. All I wanted to do was pull her close and hold her all night long. Maybe, if I were lucky, I’d take a little bite – a harmless nibble that would venture to her neck, leaving a mark and enticing a scream.

  I smiled. Just the thought of her moaning my name was enough to send me into a frenzy.

  I pushed away from the feeling as I guided her to my car, opening the door, and ushered her inside. As she looked up at me, her cheeks were painted in a rosy hue adding to her innocent look. “I’m glad you skipped the makeup. You’re naturally beautiful, Tanya.” As I spoke, our faces gravitated together. Her lips were pursed ever so slightly like she anticipated a kiss.

  Not yet.

  I ran my fingers through her hair, pulling it away from her face. I was about to pull away when I kissed the top of her head gently.

  Her cheeks burned with crimson, lips pressed together like she was holding back a slew of words. To be honest, I was just as surprised as she was.

  Why had I done that?

  The gesture was one of a lover – something couples did when they were trying to be romantic. that’s not what I was trying to achieve, was it? I just needed a surrogate for my child. Tanya was my best option. That’s all.

  Right?

  The tugging in my chest tried to tell me differently, but I ignored it.

  Emotions only made things messy. I needed to keep things professional.

  Still, there was a part of me that wanted much, much more than that. I didn’t just want a mother to my child – I wanted a companion – someone who would ward off the loneliness I felt when I spent my nights gazing out the windows of my penthouse suite. Sure, I could have a plethora of women at a moment’s notice, but their company wasn’t worth two cents. Tanya, on the other hand, was different. I needed her, even if I didn’t want to admit it.

  In the end, however, pragmatism won out as I pulled away from her, closed the door, and settled myself behind the wheel.

  I drove to the Christmas Ball in silence trying to parse through all these feelings. When I had first concocted my plan to make Tanya the surrogate mother to my child, I thought it was foolproof. Tanya was hardworking and logical. She’d be the perfect woman. I never expecte
d to fall for her.

  that was exactly what was happening.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I watched her, fingers twisting together on her lap. Teeth nibbling on her bottom lip. Eyes darting this way and that, unable to focus. She was nervous. I would have given anything to be able to know her thoughts at that moment.